The ability of individuals to resolve their legal issues is vital for a just society and it is crucial that people are able to access support when they need it. A core element of this support is access to publicly funded advice and representation where it is necessary. The Government provides legal aid in England and Wales to ensure those who need it can access legal advice and representation.

The nationality of the individual, their immigration status, or the way in which they entered the UK does not have any bearing on their ability to access legal aid. However, it is important to note that not all immigration issues are eligible for legal aid. This is not an area the Government is intending to review, because this Government is committed to protecting innocent civilians fleeing conflict and persecution around the world.

However, the government has made some tough choices as to who should receive legal aid, in order to make the best use of limited resources and ensure legal aid is targeted at those who need it most. Applicants do not receive a penny of legal aid – payments are means-tested and sent directly to solicitors and barristers who represent them to ensure a fair hearing.

The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO) 2012 redefined the scope of civil legal aid – these reforms were based on four main objectives:

i. To discourage unnecessary and adversarial litigation at public
expense;
ii. To target legal aid to those who need it most;
iii. To make significant savings to the cost of the scheme;
iv. To deliver better overall value for money for the taxpayer.

To receive legal aid, an individual’s issue must be within the scope of the legal aid scheme as set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to LASPO, and they must generally pass means and merits test. The Government is carrying out a review of the means test, which is expected to be published shortly.

Legal aid applications are determined by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) on an individual basis. The LAA operates independently, and it is important that decisions on legal aid eligibility are, and are seen to be, free from political and Government influence.

Funding may also be available through the Exceptional Case Funding (ECF) Scheme, where there is a risk that not providing legal aid could result in a breach of human rights or retained enforceable EU law, subject to the statutory means and merits tests.

Legal aid is a devolved matter, so in Scotland and Northern Ireland, legal aid availability is determined by their devolved governments, rather than the UK government.

Ministry of Justice